THE decision to remove Foggy Petronas rider's Steve Martin's kidney after a serious accident has proved to be a blessing in disguise after doctors found a malignant tumour in the removed organ.

Martin suffered kidney damage after a five-bike pile-up on the final round of the season at Magny Cours in France and after tests, doctors at a Swiss hospital decided to remove the kidney. On further examination it revealed the presence of a malignant tumour.

The Australian has now been given the all-clear to target a comeback for the team's test session in Qatar in December.

He said: "It was really lucky that I suffered the injury or the tumour might have gone undetected. I didn't feel too bad after the accident but then started to pass blood two days later.

"From the start, the doctors felt there was something more to it than just the bleeding, but didn't say anything until an MRI scan confirmed their suspicions.

"It probably wouldn't have even bled had it not been for the tumour. When the kidney was removed the tumour was found to be malignant so I have been quite fortunate.

"After the accident I wanted to kiss the rider who caused the accident with my fist, but now I want to kiss him with my lips!

"I now have to undergo regular checks but the doctors are confident there will be no recurrence. In fact, it's a relief that the kidney wasn't lost as a direct result of the accident, as that might have played on my mind.

"I feel great and I have been assured that the loss of the kidney will not affect my performance in any way. In fact I am keen to come back stronger than ever."

Martin will miss next week's test in Valencia where his new team-mate, Craig Jones, will have his first ride on the Petronas FP1.